Massive Fire Engulfs Philadelphia SEPTA Bus Depot

Philadelphia Fire Engulfs SEPTA Bus Depot: 40 Buses Destroyed A massive fire ripped through a SEPTA bus depot in Philadelphia's Tioga-Nicetown section on Thursday morning, June 5th, 2025, causing significant damage to dozens of decommissioned buses. The fire, which quickly escalated to three alarms, sent plumes of thick, black smoke billowing into the air, visible across the city. According to SEPTA officials, 40 buses were damaged, including 15 electric vehicles. Action News reporter Annie McCormick, reporting live from the scene, described the scene as "challenging" for firefighters due to the tightly packed buses, which hindered access to water. Assistant Chief Charles Walker of the Philadelphia Fire Department stated that while there were no major harmful pollutants in the air, precautionary measures were taken to advise residents to turn off HVAC systems or open windows. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but SEPTA officials confirmed that no maintenance was being conducted on the buses at the time of the incident. A press conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. to provide further details. The incident highlights the scale of the damage and the challenges faced by emergency responders in such situations.